John Leach: Featured Potter

John Leach was born in 1939 at the Leach Pottery in St Ives, and started his potter’s training with his father, David, in 1957 at Lowerdown. John began making his own characteristically robust personal pieces in 1983. He was inspired by other cultures and times; he loved medieval forms and pots of the Appalachian Way. He spent time in Alaska, Denmark, Sweden, USA, Jamaica and Africa. His time in Nigeria was especially resonant and had a later influence on some of his ‘Black Mood’ pots; these were fired in a saggar filled with sawdust to create dark clay bodies with serendipitous organic lines. No two pieces are the same and they are prized items in collections around the world.

John’s individual pieces showcased here were included in our 2025 Exhibition: Muchelney Pottery: 60 Years Strong.

Enjoy 10% off all work by John Leach from midday Monday 16 February until midday Monday 23 February.